Hamlet: The Arkangel Shakespeare

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale, Imogen Stubbs, Jane Lapotaire, Bob Peck, Norman Rodway

Shakespeare's most famous play is one of the greatest stories in the literature of the world.

Distressed by his father's death and his mother's over-hasty remarriage, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is faced by a specter from beyond the grave bearing a grim message of murder and revenge. The young prince is driven to the edge of madness by his struggle to understand the situation he finds himself in and to do his duty. Many others, including Hamlet's beloved, the innocent Ophelia, are swept up in his tragedy.

Hamlet is played by Simon Russell Beale. Imogen Stubbs plays Ophelia, Jane Lapotaire is Gertrude, and Bob Peck is Claudius. Polonius is played by Norman Rodway.

Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

this Hamlet better than Kenneth Branagh

everything from this company is clear, easy to understand, well directed. All the Shakespeare plays I can, I get from this company with this logo and thumbnail

Excellent Presentation

It's been over twenty years since I last read Hamlet, and fifteen prior to that; high school lit. being the occasion. Makes me wonder why I've let it aside for so long. I read along with my old paperback while listening. This presentation is absolutely marvelous. The Arkangle Shakespeare is definitely a go-to for your Shakespeare craving. Hamlet being my first listen from this publisher, I must now away to acquire another title. I think I'll try Julius Caesar.

Fantastic Performance

Would you listen to Hamlet: The Arkangel Shakespeare again? Why?

This was an excellent performance by a solid British cast of one of Shakespeare's best plays. Even the bit players on this recording are good. The scene between Hamlet and his mother is one of the most effective I've ever seen or heard.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

The actors all have a great sense not only of drama but of the rhetorical shape of the verse. Aside from Hamlet, Horatio stands out as does Claudius, who is played like a staid and corrupt bishop.

Any additional comments?

All in all, an excellent audio experience.

10-year old thoroughly enjoyed it

My son and I enjoyed this dramatized production. The voice acting was very natural and not overdone. Very well done!

Great production

Excellent voice cast and production values really bring this masterpiece of English literature to life.